The Warmest of Welcomes: Staying with Laura and John (July 9, 2012)

Such a warm sign. 

We took a rest day in Cleveland.  After our venture to Rising Sun Coffee Roasters, we went to the West Side Market and ate lunch at Johnny Mango’s.  We rested too and organized our stuff.  At the end of the day we rode to the neighborhood “Little Brooklyn” to stay with Laura and John and their two cats, Nala and Simba.  To say we were warmly welcomed would be an understatement.  The chalkboard on their door had a huge welcoming sign and they had a delightful guest room all prepared. 

So thoughtful!

They have a beautiful house with warm wood floors and deep, rich colors on the walls.  We had their favorite pizza which included honey to put over it, which as Laura said, sounds weird but is really delicious, and it was. 

Pata, John, and Laura.

We talked about cycling but also about hiking.  It turns out that they are leaders for a backpacking trip held by their college in the Adirondacks.  They take undergraduates into the mountains, sometimes for the first time.  I have done some backpacking in the Sierras, but not for many years.  However, some of the same skills I used to prepare for the bicycle touring are the same ones I used when backpacking. 

We so much enjoyed the conversation, their hospitality, and the kindness they showed in opening up their home to us. 

Laura off the front!

In the morning, we had the pleasure of being ridden back to the point where the Northern Tier Route picked up by Laura who rode her bicycle to work that morning.  However, she is quite fit and not on a loaded bike, which meant we had to hammer to try to keep up.  The good news is that we got through that part of the city before rush hour got really bad.

We feel so fortunate to have meet Laura and John through Warm Showers and we wish them well on their upcoming backpacking trip. 

DW: John and Laura are great! From the time we walked into their immaculate home until the time we pedaled away the next morning our stay was wonderful. I cannot say enough good things about these beautiful people! I really appreciate that Laura guided us through Cleveland’s morning traffic and got us back headed in the right direction the morning of our departure. She rode like a pro over roads that were potholed, strewn with glass and bumpy; and Cleveland drivers are a rough crowd, but Laura never missed a beat.

John and Laura : thank you so much for your kindness and generosity!